Peter Quillin Makes a Statement With Brinkley TKO

By Jake Donovan

Undefeated super middleweight prospect Peter Quillin scored his most significant win to date, blowing out former title challenger Jesse Brinkley inside of three rounds Friday evening at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada.

The evening was designed as a much needed step-up showcase for Quillin, who has come with high accolades but has yet to secure the wins to match the talent.

Brinkley was never confused with a potential future world champion, but is a serviceable opponent and a considerable upgrade in competition for the New York-based prospect.

On name value alone, Quillin knew to prepare for the biggest challenge of his young career, and it showed in his performance, even though the evening didn’t last very long.

The tempo of the bout was established early on as Quillin controlled the action with his jab and power shots upstairs. A long right hand had Brinkley hurt midway through the opening round, but the veteran managed to weather the storm.

If there was a single bright spot in the evening for Brinkley, it came in a second round that wasn’t completely one-sided. A right hand to the body helped the former Contender contestant gain a measure of respect from his younger opponent, who still controlled the action but didn’t run and gun.

At least not until the third round came along.

The beginning of the end came early in the round, when Quillin landed a right hand that wobbled Brinkley. Referee Joe Cortez managed to become part of the story when his involvement was completely unnecessary, jumping in before realizing that his presence wasn’t needed.

The incident lasted long enough to distract Quillin, thus blowing a potential knockout opportunity. However, the young gun regrouped and went right back on the attack.

This time, Cortez’ presence would be required.

A combination upstairs had Brinkley reeling as he was trapped in the corner. Quillin went in for the finish, unloading with both clips at a near-defenseless Brinkley. Cortez saw that nothing was coming back in return and jumped in to prevent the rout from becoming a slaughter.

The official time was 2:34 of the third round.

The crowd booed the stoppage, but it was the right call by Cortez. Brinkley had long ago stopped throwing back, and his head was repeatedly jerking around any time Quillin managed enough leverage on his shots.

Quillin improves to 24-0 (18KO) with the win, his second of the year, both of which have aired on Telefutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate series.

Brinkley suffers his second straight defeat as he falls to 35-7 (19KO). The Season One Contender semifinalist fell short in his lone title bid, as he was stopped in nine rounds by Lucian Bute last October.

In the televised co-feature, Lonnie Smith (13-2-1, 9KO) racked up his seventh straight win with a six-round unanimous decision over one-time rising prospect David Rodela (15-4-3, 6KO). Scores were 59-55 (twice) and 58-56.

The fight was competitive, but with Smith landing the much heavier artillery throughout. Rodela enjoyed moments of success, but never long enough to ignite a rally or keep the more aggressive Smith at bay.

The Las Vegas-based Smith has built a notable following in his home state, which has played host to each of his past seven wins.

Heading in the opposite direction, Rodela’s career has hit a considerable tailspin. It is the third loss in his last five fights spanning just 14 months, having also been held to a draw over that stretch.

The show was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and aired live on Telefutura.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to [email protected].

Nothing against Quillin, but I'm still not sold, despite the result. I have never seen Jesse Brinkley look that damn flat in a fight before. Something definitely seemed off. His body looked downright terrible, and he had nothing. It looked…